05 Sep 13. PZL-Swidnik SA, an AgustaWestland company, is showcasing the SW-4 Solo Rotorcraft Unmanned Air System/Optionally Piloted Helicopter (RUAS/OPH) at MSPO 2013 in Kielce, Poland, demonstrating the Company’s potential in the European aviation sector, where the remotely piloted and unmanned aircraft are becoming synonymous with state-of-the-art technology. The SW-4 Solo RUAS/OPH, the result of a close collaboration between PZL-Swidnik and AgustaWestland, is one of the most technologically advanced achievements of aviation technology in recent years and will be used under the RWUAS (Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System) Capability Concept Demonstrator (CCD) programme. The programme aims at investigating the utility of a conceptual multi-role UAS for the UK Royal Navy and is covered by a contract that has been awarded to AgustaWestland by the UK Ministry of Defence. The SW-4 Solo RUAS/OPH, based on the proven SW-4 light single engine helicopter, has been designed for both unmanned and piloted operations, providing users with maximum operational flexibility. The RUAS version of the SW-4 is capable of performing a number of roles, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as cargo re-supply. In piloted configuration, the SW-4 can undertake a number of activities, including transportation of personnel, surveillance and intervention. It can be fitted with a comprehensive mission equipment package, including search, communications/intelligence systems and armament. (Source: UAS VISION)

05 Sep 13. UAS are especially sensitive to incremental weight and volume. As a result, autonomous platform operators may forego valuable sensing capabilities or compromise overall platform performance. LORD MicroStrain provides high-performance inertial sensing systems with minimal weight, size, and evaluation & integration barriers. The company’s inertial solutions enable the cost effective application of precise primary and secondary unmanned navigation and ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance). LORD MicroStrain provides tactical and high-end industrial grade miniature inertial sensors to the UAS market. It’s user implementation procedure is streamlined to support rapid evaluation and integration with little development overhead, and low barriers to incorporate the latest sensor models & capabilities. LORD GPS-Aided Inertial Navigation Systems (GPS/INS), Attitude Heading Reference Systems (AHRS), and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) are backed by comprehensive development kits. Combined with the forward compatible MIP communication protocol, unmanned aircraft system operators have the flexibility of moving up or down the product line with little or no rewriting of code. Calibrating each sensor to the same strict standard ensures identical performance between same model devices. As a result, UAS developers can be confident that integrating LORD MicroStrain sensors into their systems is a repeatable, cost-effective process.
(Source: UAS VISION)

03 Sep 13. The EURO HAWK® unmanned aircraft system (UAS) set an endurance record Aug. 8 when it flew continuously for 25.3 hours in European airspace. Built by Northrop Grumman Corporation , operating through its subsidiary Northrop Grumman ISS International Inc. (NGISSI), and Cassidian (EADS Deutschland GmbH), the UAS climbed to 58,600 feet over Manching Air Base, Germany. With a wingspan greater than most commercial airliners, EURO HAWK® can fly at altitudes more than 60,000 feet for more than 30 hours. It can detect radar and communication emitters with its advanced signals intelligence sensors and updated payload software.”This is the longest flight flown in European skies by an unrefuelled UAS in the more than 30,000-pound [14,600-kilogramme] class,” said Rolf Wirtz, head of Mission Systems, Cassidian’s UAS branch. “The EURO HAWK® has performed safely and reliably with good results throughout its entire flight test programme. It is the only system that can meet G